Heartland Mom Trains for Mixed Martial Arts Fight

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Raising kids can often times be difficult, but, for one southern Illinois mom raising her 18-month-old son is just part of her daily routine. It's the other hat she wears that really gets her blood pumping.

Jill Fickes is a mixed martial arts fighter. That's right, she climbs into a ring and goes toe to toe in a full contact fight for fun!

"I started training in martial arts when I was eight years old. I've been doing it pretty much my whole life. I think it defines me as a person as much as my name or where I come from," Fickes said.

At 19 years old, Jill competed in her first martial arts competition and won. She's gone onto win a Golden Gloves Championship and earn a black belt in Kempo Ju Jitsu.
"And it's the adrenaline rush from that first time of being in the ring, that's just, you can't touch it. And I've been going after that adrenaline rush since then."

But, those pursuits were put on hold temporarily when her and her husband's first child came rushing into their lives. He's a bundle of energy that keeps mom on her toes most days.

"He's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me in my whole life. He was planned and I'm ready to have more," Jill said.

Those plans are currently on hold though as she trains for a fight against another female mixed martial arts fighter from Detroit. The bout is the headliner fight scheduled to take place Saturday night in Carbondale at Sports Blast.

"It's been a challenge to train and still be a mom and raise an 18-month old son."

"Martial arts is a great part of my life. And something that I've really enjoyed. It's done nothing but give me positive things in my life. And I really hope that he does choose to follow the same path," Jill said as she strapped on her punching gloves.Link with videos!